As we reflect back on the year that was, and the year that lies ahead, it’s difficult to escape the fact that there are some bands that haven’t graced our eager ears with new music in quite some time. Names like Anata, Wintersun, Necrophagist, and Metallica immediately spring to mind in this regard.

Of course, there are a plethora of reasons that might cause bands and/or releases to fall into a state of extended limbo — family responsibilities, full-time jobs, line-up changes contractual disputes, lack of distribution, lack of creativity, financial constraints etc. There is an endless list of obstacles that might throw a wrench in the works between the time a band initially starts tinkering around with creative ideas in the rehearsal space and the time the finished product hits the market, yet my eternally impatient inner fanboy is always inclined to go on some entitled and self-righteous “if you’re in a band, and you’re not releasing new music, you’re not doing your damn job!” rants.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at 20 bands that are taking their merry time to release music upon the great unwashed masses. More after the jump.